Museums in Kandy

Amidst tea and spice plantations of Sri Lanka, Kandy showcases remnants of its colonial past and affords spectacular lush landscapes and a rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

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Things To See & Do

International Buddhist Museum

International Buddhist Museum

Informative Buddhist Centre
The International Buddhist Museum features Buddhist artefacts and informative material that has been contributed by 17 countries including Sri Lanka, India, Japan, China and Bhutan.

1 to 2 hours

Suggested Time

Ceylon Tea Museum

Ceylon Tea Museum

Educational Tea Museum
Located south of Kandy in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, the Ceylon Tea Museum features exhibits on tea pioneers like Thomas Lipton along with vintage tea-processing information.

30 minutes

Suggested Time

National Museum of Kandy

National Museum of Kandy

Historic National Museum
Located in the Royal Palace complex, the National Museum of Kandy has over 5,000 artefacts including weapons and jewellery from the Kandian and post-British Colonial eras.

2 hours

Suggested Time

Best Time To Visit Kandy

Perfect winter destination

  • DEC-APR

    Peak Season

  • SEP-NOV

    Moderate Season

  • MAY-AUG

    Off-season

  • What To Expect:Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C.
  • Things You'll Love:Sightseeing and trekking.

FESTIVALS AND EVENTS

1/2

Kandy Esala PeraheraJune-July

Vesak PoyaMarch

Tamil New YearApril

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Discover the Rich Heritage: Top Museums in Kandy


Kandy, the charming city nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka, is home to a variety of museums that showcase the country's rich history, culture, and art. Some of the most renowned museums in Kandyinclude the Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum, Kandy National Museum, Ceylon Tea Museum, and the World Buddhist Museum.


Top 4 Museums in Kandy

  • Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum:Explore the sacred history of the Temple of the Tooth Relic and its significance in Sri Lankan culture. Entry fee: LKR 1,500. Open: Daily, 7:30 am to 6:30 pm.

  • Kandy National Museum:Discover the fascinating history of the Kandyan era through its vast collection of artefacts, costumes, and weaponry. Entry fee: LKR 600. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm.

  • Ceylon Tea Museum:Learn about the history of tea production in Sri Lanka and its impact on the country's economy. Entry fee: LKR 700. Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 4 pm.

  • World Buddhist Museum:Gain insights into the spread of Buddhism across the globe through its extensive collection of artefacts and exhibits. Entry fee: LKR 1250. Open: Daily, 8 am to 7 pm.
Museums in Kandy
  • Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum
  • Kandy National Museum
  • Ceylon Tea Museum
  • World Buddhist Museum
Most Famous MuseumSri Dalada Maligawa Museum
Art Gallery in KandyEmbekke Art Gallery
Do & Don'ts - Museum in Kandy to visit
  • Do respect the rules and regulations of each museum.
  • Don't touch the exhibits or use flash photography.
  • Do keep your belongings safe and secure.
  • Don't bring food or drinks inside the museum premises.

Historical Museums In Kandy

Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum:The Sri Dalada Maligawa Museum, located within the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the history and significance of the temple. The museum houses a vast collection of artefacts, including royal regalia, religious relics, and ancient manuscripts. Visitors can learn about the temple's role in Sri Lankan history and its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kandy National Museum:The Kandy National Museum, housed in a historic building, showcases the rich history of the Kandyan era, which lasted from the 15th to the 19th century. The museum's collection includes traditional costumes, jewellery, weapons, and other artefacts that provide a glimpse into the lives of the Kandyan royalty and their subjects. Visitors can also admire the beautiful Kandyan architecture and learn about the city's vibrant cultural heritage.


Specialty Museums in Kandy

Ceylon Tea Museum:The Ceylon Tea Museum, situated in a former tea factory, is dedicated to preserving the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. The museum features exhibits on the origins of tea, the process of tea cultivation and manufacturing, and the impact of the tea industry on the country's economy. Visitors can also enjoy a guided tour of the factory, sample different varieties of tea, and purchase tea-related souvenirs.


Religious Museums in Kandy

World Buddhist Museum:The World Buddhist Museum, located near the Temple of the Tooth Relic, is the first museum of its kind in Sri Lanka. The museum showcases the spread of Buddhism across the world, with exhibits on the history, art, and architecture of Buddhist countries. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of artefacts, including statues, paintings, and manuscripts, and gain a deeper understanding of the global impact of Buddhism.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy

What are the things that you should not miss out on when you are in Kandy?

If you are a true traveller, you should definitely not miss out on Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Udawattakele Forest Reserve, and International Buddhist Museum when you are in Kandy to make a funfilled vacay.

What are the activities you can explore during the peak season and moderate season in Kandy?

In the peak season months December, January, February, March and April you will experience pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C wherein around moderate season i.e. September, October and November you will enjoy extremely hot and humid weather. Whatever that suits your calendar, Kandy awaits you for a good time.

How is the weather of Kandy in peak season?

The weather of Kandy in peak season is pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C. It means you can easily plan a trip to Kandy in the months of ​​​​​​​​December, January, February, March and April to enjoy your trip to the fullest.